North Dakota State University
About North Dakota State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
North Dakota State University is a public research university in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a land-grant university known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, pharmacy, and the sciences, and has a dominant FCS football program.
Founded
1890
Location
Fargo, North Dakota
Students
11,661
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
95%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
63.9%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$11,110
Out-of-state: $15,764
Avg Net Price
$15,543
After financial aid
SAT Average
1150
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$62,203
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
North Dakota State University accepts the majority of applicants at 95%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1150/ 1600
Average: 1150 out of 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
63.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.4%
4-Year Grad
41%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
97.5%
$/Student
$11.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 41% graduation rate is below average, but 78.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,110
In-State
$15,764
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,928
Books & Supplies
$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,716
After Financial Aid
$15,543
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,370
Receive Grants
19.7%
Take Loans
52%
The total cost of attendance runs about $23,716/yr, including $9,928 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,543.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at North Dakota State University fund their education.
While in School
19.7%
Get Grants
Free money
52%
Take Loans
Must repay
$80,195
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,199
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,199 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends North Dakota State University.
Gender
51.4%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,471
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,190
Graduates
17.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 17.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
9,471
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
North Dakota State University fields 9 varsity teams with 597 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
The Summit League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
597
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
350
Men
247
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of North Dakota State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$62,203
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
216 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$48K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$72K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$42K
103 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$36K
94 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$34K
93 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $52K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Dakota State University
What is the acceptance rate at North Dakota State University?▾
How much does North Dakota State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at North Dakota State University?▾
How much do North Dakota State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.